Charlotte’s Birthday Bash // The Party! (+vlog!)

07/22/2015

Ready for the last and final post of my Birthday Bash series? This one is a real doozey, with around 40 pictures and even more memories 😀 Let’s get digging shall we?

Before we get to the slew of wonderful pictures, I need to back up and tell you a little story: Everyday of the week leading up to my party I checked the weather devotedly, and prayed that it would be clear and beautiful. I prayed and prayed, hoped and hoped, and when the evening before the party rolled around, I looked up into the clear night sky and my expectations soared and I was confident that we would have sunshine and perfection the following day. The morning seemed pretty dewey and lovely, and we girls were reassuring ourselves against the looming forecast of rain, saying “But there’s dew on the ground! That means no rain!”, etc. But it rained. Nay, it didn’t rain, it poured. Thunder, lightning, wind: the whole shebang! I was in the shower while the worst of it hit, and evidently blew our big beautiful tent a couple inches over. I came down from the bathroom, and hearing voices speaking of “changing plans” and “She won’t mind. She can’t mind!”, ran outside and saw before my eyes all our hard work that morning of setting up tables and flower arrangements, all tossed about and in the wettest and soppiest of disorders, the ground under our party tent utterly soaked in dismal puddles. Mom and Brigid related to me the fact that at this point, no dancing would be taking place under the tent, and instead would be done down in the basement.

Now, I have been waiting for my birthday dance to be held under our party tent for four years. And then, a storm was to ruin so much of what my hopes and dreams for this party were resting upon. “No… NO!” I shouted, still in shock and disbelief that four years of hopes and desires would be dashed to pieces on the wet, cold pavement under my bare feet. I ran up to my bedroom, and sobbed. Just sobbed. I couldn’t believe that God (in my eyes) hadn’t listened to my prayers and was putting such a heavy trial upon my shoulders. I was angry. I was upset. At my own dear Lord I was miserably upset. Why? Why did my party, the last of it’s kind in the Boyer household, have to break so much tradition? Why couldn’t I have that small hope of dancing the night away in the cool of a Summer’s eve, under our big beautiful party tent. Why? Was it so much to ask?

No, of course it wasn’t. But I didn’t know that at the time.

I wiped my eyes, and tried my best to hold back the tears as I got ready for the big dance. I truly didn’t imagine my spirits would be so low and so cloudy like the skies above me, when the guests began to arrive. I gave my best friend Hannah a big, fierce hug, trying to push away the storm of emotions still twisting about in my heart like a tornado. I masked my inward depression with adrenalin and smiles, trying to focus on what was in front of me, and not the looming, dreaded thought of dancing in the cold, ordinary basement.

I know that at this point I must sound like a complete drama queen, and I won’t deny it: I am. I can be a big emotional wreck at times when things don’t go my way. I’m not perfect, and I have never claimed to be. But when it comes to years upon years of expectation and hope stacked on each other like jenga bricks, and then that one gets pulled that tears the whole structure down with it, who’s not to be disappointed? That was the exact way that it felt for me, and I thought that God had completely abandoned my prayers and had shut that door that I had so tried to pry open.

We sat down to eat, and I had absolutely no appetite. The delicious chili cheese dog, fruit, and caesar salad stared up at me disconsolately as I pushed around my food and made conversation with the wonderful friends seated at my table. I laughed, I teased, was teased, and had a jolly good time; but when we got to the top of a roller coaster hill, and had laughed at some joke or other, after which silence reigned, my high spirits clung to the edge of my seat as my cart sped down hill with more might than climbing up. To tell the truth, I honestly didn’t realize at the time that the reason for my low spirits was the rain, until I got up from dinner, and noticed a very odd thing taking place under the tent. Was it true, did my eyes genuinely behold it? The rain had stopped, and the boys were sweeping out the water from under the tent.

Oh what serendipity seized my heart the moment Brigid confirmed, a board grin across her face, that yes, we would be dancing under the tent tonight.

At that point, I pushed myself out of the dark corner of the room I was trapped in, as the door I had so desperately tried to unlock with my bare hands, swung open. And I walked out in the bright daylight of truth. God hadn’t forsaken me. He knew all along that He had in store for me the best birthday present I could have asked for. I knew He was laughing right along with me at my lack of trust in Him, my lack of faith, and my lack of rejoicing no matter what the circumstance.

Prior to my party, I had asked my Dad what characteristic I could work on in this new year of my life. After many days of thought, he finally told me: contentment. The evening of my party, God confirmed that. In the midst of the cheer and celebration that our parties always hold, God had taught me a lesson, brought me through a trial, and led me by the hand through a dark valley. I don’t think I shall ever forget that day, when sorrow lay siege to my heart and broke down my flimsy wall of faith; and that evening, when God replaced sorrow with joy, and lay down new, strong bricks of faith.

Ok, ok, I’ve kept you long enough with my tale! Now onto the pictures 😀

It is tradition for Dad to read to us the blessing from Numbers 6:24-26. Definitely a more emotional part of the evening for me 🙂

Can I just say? Men in kilts make me happy. They just do. 🙂

Ready? Set? GO!

I love their *grand* entrance 😀

Kudos to you if you spot the easter egg in this picture (hint: it has to do with a rather humorous face 😉 )

I have only one comment for this one: Skirt for Miiiiiiiles 😀

Our friend, Levi (the only guy other than my Dad in a kilt), gave to me the most wonderful surprise: Happy Birthday on the Bagpipes! Priceless. 🙂

Pie and Strawberry Shortcakes for dessert! It was so delicious. SO delicious.

There was one dance that didn’t get documented in either form of photo or video, but was definitely the best of the night. As I was putting together my party playlist the month prior, I discovered Owl City (and have now become a very devoted fan, let me tell you!). I knew that I wanted to include at least one of his songs for a dance, and selected “Good Time” to be the tune for the last Virginia Reel. Well, guests were beginning to leave and we rushed about to get the “last” dance in order (which actually wasn’t the last: we danced around 3 or 4 more after that lol!), and instead of getting to dance the Dashing White Sergeant with Levi, I got to be partnered with him for the final Virginia Reel. Now, funny story: Levi helped us teach and put together the playlist for the dances, and when I told him via email that we would have an Owl City song for the last VR, he was quite dubious. As we leaped into the first steps of the dance, however, he commented that it was actually a very good song for the dance. Hehehe 🙂 We looped the song twice, and had an absolute blast. I won’t deny it, I had my fists pumping, and was shouting, whooping, and singing along where I could find breath (I even thought of clicking me heels once or twice, though a good opportunity never did present itself 😉 ). It was the definition of “Good Time”, let me tell you!

Jess had the brilliant idea of documenting the prep for my party on video, which collaboration of footage I attached below. I hope you enjoy getting a further peak into what it was like setting up, and then dancing the night away 🙂

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About Charlotte

Charlotte is the Art Director, Web Designer and Developer of the blog. She loves expressing her creative side through photography, web & graphic design, sewing unique, creative clothing, singing opera & broadway music, and playing the piano.

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Comments

It sounds like such a wonderful time! Everyone looked so happy and well dressed. I threw a vintage style brunch party for my graduation and I would know a thing or two about things not going as planned…my aunt was in charge of helping me make a watermelon cake (watermelon with whipped cream and fruit on top) and when she went to present it to guests, we discovered she had forgotten to slice it correctly, so it looked like a giant snowbank with some random fruit on top. Thankfully, we were able to fix it pretty quickly and all of the guests loved the “cake”.

Loved the pics and details of your birthday, Charlotte! It’s so amazing that your dad shared with you to work on contentment and that the Lord confirmed it, and even the Owl City song you played for your party was another confirmation- “it’s always a good time.” So beautiful. Happy Belated Birthday! I know you will have a very special sweet sixteen year!

I felt like I was right in the midst of your fabulous party Charlotte:) I would definitely have to agree that God has taught me many lessons in the midst of unlikely situations….He really can have a since of humor sometimes.
My am I having withdrawals of doing the Virginia Reel, Dashing White Sargent, and so many more dances like these at our local Ball Practice. Now I am extra excited to finally go again this Saturday. Hurray!!!:):):) These type of dance are sooooooo much fun and I loved that you used an Owl City song:)
It seemed like your party was a smashing success even if the weather at first threatened to smash your plans for the evening:) Thanks for including us in the evening. Many late birthday wishes!!!!!
xo
-Madisonhttp://www.1minniemuse.blogspot.com

Oh my goodness, Charlotte! What a perfect party! Your dress is pure magic. And the dancing! How wonderful! How did you organize the dancing so well? Did everyone already know the dances or did you teach them? I’ve always dreamed of doing something like that.

Ahhh…Charlotte, I can understand exactly how were feeling when it looked like the birthday plans were down the drain! I would have been every bit as crushed as you were…especially after waiting for so long for such a special day.

I’ve been following this blog for some time now and I absolutely LOVE how it brings back good memories of living at home and doing with my sister all the sorts of things you girls do together. I’m married now and 34 (wow! sounds so old!) and can remember clearly those wonderful days of sewing and crafting and creating with my sister when were in our teens and 20s. Although there were a lot of hard days and wondering days along the way (what does God have in the future??), we had so much fun and so many sweet times together. I remember many a long sewing project together, listening to music or audiobooks, talking the hours away. And then putting together events so much like your party, with lots of prepping, decorating, and cooking. Be sure to treasure every moment you have with your sweet sisters. You will look back with delight on these wonderful and exiting days, even as you experience the good and wonderful life changes ahead.

Thanks so much for sharing your lives with all of us. Your sweet wholesomeness is incredibly beautiful. Don’t ever let it go.

Hello Jennifer! Wow! How neat we have the same dress! It is one of my favorites that eShakti has ever made!

I know you commented to Charlotte, but I just have to say thank you for typing up such a kind, thoughtful message. Your life as a young woman is so very similar to ours, and it is so nice to hear that from someone we hardly know! Yes, I completely understand what you mean about the “wondering days”. We three have those a lot, and definitely more so now because we are getting older.

May the Lord bless you for blessing us.
In Him,
Jessica, the Eldest Sister & Singer

Yeah for an awesome party! Love the fact that things came out all right after the storm. A quote in life that has really grown me and helped me during “storms” (both physical and emotional) is “And besides, there is so much beauty in a storm.”

So glad everything turned out great for you, Charlotte! The party looks spectacular! Your dress looked wonderful, and perfect for dancing, I must add. 😉
I know what you’re talking about regarding your roller-coaster ride with the rain. I could perhaps be called a “drama queen” myself. I have a habit of hinging my whole life on the nearest exciting event I have coming up and worrying a lot about things going wrong, but I’ve discovered that just adds to the stress and can even end up making things a little less fun. Lately I have learned that you just need “roll with it,” and hopefully I’ll always keep that in mind. 😉
Thanks for letting us have a peek at your special day!

On your last post, I commented that this must have been a wonderful party; from these pictures and your stories, it most certainly was. 🙂

Your dad’s tradition of reading Numbers 6:24-26 over you is so neat. Funny thing is, my dad had that Numbers 6:24-26 written on my 16th birthday cake. 😀 And he read it to me at my graduation. Such a special passage.

Bagpipes!!! How neat! 😀

Welcome to the Owl City fan club! Aren’t his songs the greatest for dancing?! We’ve often danced the Virginia Reel to “Good Time” as well!

I LOVE Good Time!!!!! That’s one of my favorite songs! 😀 Happy Birthday Charlotte! What a fun party……God always has surprises in store for us doesn’t he! Thanks for sharing your party with us! <3 ~Wholesome Joy~

Ok, so I am the world’s worst commenter. 😉 I read almost all or your blog updates, by never comment. . .because I’m lazy like that. 😛 But then I saw a picture of Levi Sherman. Whhhhaatttt???? Such a small world! O.o How do you know Levi??

Yes, it is a small world! We figured that out as soon as we met him 😉 His work is located in our area (Northern Kentucky, Southern/South-western Ohio), so he came to our church, and that’s how we met him.

Haha, wow. 🙂 I’ve known Levi for a few years now. Met him through a group of film makers/good friends that I know. We’ve been on road trips and film sets together. He is such an awesome person! If you know Levi, I’m assuming you probably have met Gabe Everson? I live in North East Ohio, by the way. 🙂

Yes we have! Levi brought him, Gabe’s brother Stephen, and another friend (Josh Higginbotham) to Church a few weeks ago, and we had one of the warmest dances *ever* (like, melting-hot warm… 😉 ), which, however sweaty, was loads of fun!

How neat that you live in Ohio too! We love finding out about readers who live near us 🙂

What a beautiful party, Charlotte! I am so glad that the Lord did indeed answer your prayers even though for a time it didn’t seem so. I have experienced such dashed hopes and dreams. And I’ve gotten upset with the Lord at times, as well. But I find that the important part is remembering that this story isn’t about us so much as it is about Him. And yes, He has made a part of it about us because He has chosen to create and love us, but in smaller matter such as these, it’s all about Him and how we can praise His name even in the storms. It’s easier said than done, I know, but it’s a valuable lesson to learn.
Xoxo,
Ali

Thank you so much for your encouragement, Ali! I often forget that the story is about Him, and that our focus should be to glorify Him in all that we do. Thank you for redirecting my sight, dear gal; you are truly a blessing and encouragement 🙂

Oops, I don’t think I’ve commented on this yet. What a beautiful evening it must have been! It was really good for me to read this post before my grad/thankful celeb on Saturday night – the forecasts didn’t look very good at all, but there was no rain that evening & I’m so thankful to the Lord for providing that. However, your post really encouraged me in the days leading up to that to “let go and let God” do what He wanted to do. Thank you!!

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